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Diversification and reticulation in the circumboreal fern genus Cryptogramma
Jordan S Metzgar1, Edward R Alverson, Sinian Chen
1Herbarium, ALA, University of Alaska Museum of the North and Dept. of Biology and Wildlife, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA. jsmetzgar@alaska.edu
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
|March 5, 2013
Summary
Parsley ferns (Cryptogramma) exhibit complex evolution through cryptic diversification and polyploidy. This study reveals independent evolutionary trajectories and polyploid origins in the genus.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Plant Systematics
- Genomics
Background:
- Parsley ferns (Cryptogramma) present a complex case for evolutionary studies due to suspected cryptic diversification and polyploidy.
- Understanding the evolutionary history and species delineation within Cryptogramma is crucial for fern taxonomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To rigorously assess the diversification and evolutionary complexity within the genus Cryptogramma.
- To investigate the phylogenetic relationships and monophyly of the genus and its sections.
- To determine the polyploid origins and reticulation events in key Cryptogramma species.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis of six plastid loci (rbcL, rbcL-accD, rbcL-atpB, rps4-trnS, trnG-trnR, trnP-petG) using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference.
- Analysis of nuclear locus (gapCp) sequence data to investigate polyploidy.
- Comparative analysis of DNA sequences from eight Cryptogramma species and six outgroup species.
Main Results:
- Cryptogramma and Coniogramme were confirmed as reciprocally monophyletic sister genera.
- Monophyly was established for both sections within the genus Cryptogramma.
- Species within Cryptogramma represent mostly allopatric, reciprocally monophyletic lineages with independent evolutionary trajectories.
- European C. crispa identified as an autotetraploid; North American C. sitchensis identified as an allopolyploid derived from C. acrostichoides and C. raddeana.
- Evidence of subsequent backcrossing and introgression of C. raddeana alleles into northern C. acrostichoides populations.
Conclusions:
- The genus Cryptogramma displays significant evolutionary complexity driven by cryptic diversification and polyploidy.
- Polyploidy, including autopolyploidy and allopolyploidy, has played a substantial role in shaping the evolutionary history of Cryptogramma.
- Gene flow through hybridization and introgression has further contributed to the genetic diversity and evolutionary trajectories within the genus.
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